Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, following her abduction by bandits in Katsina State.

According to military authorities, the rescue was achieved after weeks of intensive search-and-rescue operations conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA across bandit-infested areas of the state.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said troops intensified offensive operations against criminal elements, placing sustained pressure on the bandits and restricting their freedom of movement.

He disclosed that troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during one of the operations, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar.

“During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs. Abubakar,” the statement said.

The military revealed that during the encounter, the fleeing bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her as troops closed in on their location.

“In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” Major General Uba stated.

Following her rescue, Mrs. Abubakar was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment.

Military authorities said she is responding positively to medical care and that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are providing all necessary support to ensure her full recovery.

“The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement added.

The military also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for the abduction and other acts of terrorism and banditry across the country.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA will continue ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralising the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to restore security in affected communities.

The rescue operation is being viewed as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign against banditry and terrorism in the North-West region, particularly in Katsina State, where security forces have sustained pressure on criminal groups in recent months.

The Armed Forces assured Nigerians of their determination to rid not only Katsina State but the entire country of terrorist and criminal elements threatening national security.

The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday , June 16, 2026, as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf congratulated the Muslim faithfuls on witnessing the New Year, which begins with the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Governor called on the people of the state and the Muslim Ummah to reflect on their actions over the past year and to use the occasion to offer special prayers for peace, unity and prosperity for the state and the country at large.

He also reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to improving their living standards through dedicated and people-oriented governance.

Signed:
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs
15th June, 2026

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the rights of all citizens to freely practice their faiths without discrimination.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.

The Governor made the declaration while receiving the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, who led a delegation on an official visit to Kano State as part of her nationwide assessment of issues relating to freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Governor Yusuf welcomed the delegation and emphasized Kano’s reputation as a state where people of different religious backgrounds have lived side by side in peace, mutual respect and understanding.

He noted that the administration has continued to support policies and institutions that strengthen social harmony, uphold justice and protect the constitutional rights of all residents regardless of their religious affiliation.

Governor Yusuf stated that Kano remains committed to fostering dialogue among religious communities and addressing emerging challenges through lawful and inclusive mechanisms that promote peace and stability.

He explained that the state government recognizes the important role of traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders in sustaining harmony and preventing tensions that could threaten peaceful coexistence.

The Governor further assured the UN delegation of the state’s readiness to cooperate with national and international bodies working to advance human rights, religious freedom and respect for diversity.

Speaking during the engagement, Professor Ghanea said her visit was aimed at examining the situation of freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria, including constitutional and institutional safeguards, challenges faced by religious communities, the role of traditional practices and efforts being made to address religious discrimination and tensions where they exist.

The delegation held discussions with senior government officials and other stakeholders on measures being implemented to strengthen interfaith understanding, protect fundamental freedoms and promote peaceful relations among communities.

Governor Yusuf thanked the United Nations Human Rights Council for choosing Kano as one of the states to be visited and reiterated his administration’s determination to preserve the state’s legacy of religious tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.